Tornadoes Tear Through Parts Of Ohio on Memorial Day, 90 Injured And One Dead

A series of tornadoes hit Dayton and surrounding areas late Monday night, prompting rescue efforts after severe damage left at least 90 with minor injuries and one dead.

Approximately 60 miles north of Dayton in Celina, Ohio, 81-year-old Melvin Dale Hanna was killed after a tornado caused a vehicle to crash into his home.

WLWT5 reported that Northridge, Trotwood, Riverside, and Beavercreek are among some of the hardest hit communities in Ohio, with damages to homes, local businesses and schools spreading through eastern Indiana. In fact, a National Weather Service storm survey said the tornado that hit Beavercreek produced winds of up to 140 mph.

With potential gas leaks, debris on roads and tangled power lines, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley described the damage as “significant” and said that “many citizens and folks are without basic services.” 

Due to the storms, 64,000 were reportedly left without electricity, and a boil water advisory was issued after the city’s pumping station lost power. According to the Associated Press, a local high school gym was designated as an emergency shelter until authorities assessed the damage and deemed it unstable. 

“Our community has been tested before, and we have always risen above it,” Whaley said. “Be safe out there,” don’t do anything stupid, and have a good day.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

While damages to Dayton and surrounding areas are still being assessed, the tornadoes apparently struck just days after Whaley incurred about $650,000 in expenses on police protection for a KKK rally and counterprotests.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

In an effort to help, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said that the state vows to do whatever it can to rebuild areas that have been affected and make sure resources are available.